Teens urged to use 2 wheels, not 4

If you think it's tough convincing a teenager to set aside his or her driver's license for a day, try convincing 100.

That's the challenge before a handful of staff and students for St. Charles East High School's first Bike to School Day rally Wednesday.

Two after-school clubs and several local businesses are teaming up for the event, which aims to get teenagers thinking outside of the automobile when it comes to transportation by riding bikes to and from school for one day.

"We're hoping that if kids start riding their bikes for transportation instead of just recreation, maybe they'll start thinking differently about it," said cycling enthusiast and art teacher Nathan Shackelford, who is organizing the event with the canoe and environmental clubs.

Shackelford estimated that less than 10 of the roughly 2,000 students at East regularly ride bikes to school. Almost everyone either drives or rides with a friend or family member.

Aside from decreasing fuel consumption and emissions, riding a bicycle can be better for a student's health, Shackelford said. He also wants to counter attitudes that cycling isn't as "cool" as driving.

"We're such a car-worshipping community," he said. "It's hard to get past it when (students) are in a stage of life where cool is translating away from bikes and more to cars."

On Wednesday, students who ride to school can meet up in the morning with others from their neighborhoods and follow a district map for the safest routes to East, 1020 Dunham Road. Shackelford said the program is recommended for students who have to travel two miles or less.

In addition, several staff members, including Shackelford, will ride from as far as Aurora, he said.

Once the cyclists get to school, they'll meet in the courtyard for bicycle demonstrations, free food, prizes and other activities courtesy of local businesses.

This year's goal is 100 participants, but organizers hope to see the event grow year by year.

"It's a pretty modest goal, and it's only one day," Shackelford said. "We collected promotional materials for 100 participants. If we go over that, it will be a good problem to have."

Drivers Wednesday are being asked to use extra caution and be on the lookout for bicycle riders.